The American Horse Council (AHC) has initiated efforts to update the National Economic Impact Study of the Horse Industry in the US. The original study, completed in 1996 by Barents Group of Washington, D.C., established that the horse industry in all its segments (racing, showing, recreation, and working horses) had a $112 billion effect on the U.S. economy, involved more than 7 million Americans and 6.9 million horses, and supported 1.4 million full-time jobs. The study also documented the size of the horse industry in 11 states.

"The National Economic Study has been extremely helpful to the industry's efforts in Congress and state legislatures," said AHC President Jay Hickey. "When you meet with elected officials, one of the first things they want to know is the economic importance of the industry. The study has enabled the industry to speak with authority about our true economic importance to the agricultural, gaming, sporting and recreational activities of the country. These figures have also been very important in documenting the size and diversity of the various segments of the industry to the press and media."

The original national study was accomplished with the economic support and participation of many organizations and individuals in the horse industry that contributed the funds necessary for its completion. "To get the update of the study started, the American Quarter Horse Association and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association have already pledged their support," noted Hickey. "We anticipate that organizations and individuals that funded the first study will once again provide the economic support necessary to complete the update, along with others now that they have seen the value of the study on many levels."

If you would like to contribute to the National Economic Study, you can make a tax-deductible contribution to the American Horse Council Foundation. Please call the AHC at 202/296-4031 with any questions.